Johan Santana nearing spring debut

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The New York Mets are aiming for Johan Santana to make his Grapefruit League debut in a week, likely against the Detroit Tigers at Tradition Field on March 14.

That would provide Santana three starts to prepare for the regular season, although Mets manager Terry Collins reiterated Wednesday that he doesn't believe it is a priority for the left-hander to pitch on Opening Day against the San Diego Padres.